Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with bruschetta chicken pasta, a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors dancing on your plate. Fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tender chicken create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Produce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Liberally coat chicken pieces with seasoning, then sear in sizzling olive oil at medium-high heat until golden and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Without cleaning the pan, introduce halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, allowing them to caramelize and release their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar, creating a rich reduction that intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, simmering gently for 5 minutes.
- Simultaneously, prepare penne pasta in rapidly boiling, salted water until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Slice the cooked chicken into elegant diagonal strips, returning them to the fragrant tomato mixture.
- Incorporate the pasta into the skillet, gently folding to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the vibrant sauce.
- Finish the dish by scattering freshly torn basil leaves and sprinkling mozzarella cheese, allowing residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, ensuring every portion captures the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Customize chicken seasoning by adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious profile.
- Choose whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 454 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg